Curtin University’s Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship offers full funding for PhD and Master’s by Research students worldwide

Overview

If you’ve ever dreamed of doing a fully funded PhD or research master’s in Australia, Curtin University has just opened the door.

The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship at Curtin University is one of Australia’s most competitive government-backed research funding awards, and it’s open to both domestic and international students, which means you qualify whether you’re in Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, London, or Toronto.

This isn’t a partial grant or a “discount on tuition” deal. This is real, comprehensive funding designed to let you focus entirely on your research without worrying about how to pay rent or cover your academic fees.

Here’s what you need to know, and more importantly, how to actually get it.

What Is the RTP Scholarship?

The Research Training Program (RTP) is funded by the Australian Government and administered through universities like Curtin. It supports students pursuing a Higher Degree by Research (HDR), which covers:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Masters by Research

Curtin University, based in Perth, Western Australia, is consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities globally. An RTP scholarship here isn’t just funding, it’s a credential that follows you for the rest of your career.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)

The RTP scholarship is open to both domestic and international applicants, which is great news if you’re reading this from outside Australia.

You are eligible if you:

• Are you applying for or currently enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at Curtin University
• Have not previously completed a PhD qualification anywhere in the world
• Can obtain an Invitation to Apply from a registered Curtin supervisor

If you’re a current Curtin HDR student, you must also meet these additional conditions:

• You are not currently receiving an HDR base stipend
• Your principal supervisor has confirmed their support
• You are in Good Academic Standing
• You have not exceeded 18 months of full-time equivalent enrolment as of 1st July of the application year

What Does the Scholarship Cover? (Benefits)

While the document doesn’t list the exact dollar figures (these are updated annually), RTP scholarships typically cover:

• Full tuition fee offset — your academic fees are completely covered
• Living stipend — a tax-free annual allowance to cover your day-to-day living expenses in Australia
• Relocation allowance (in some cases)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international recipients

For 2025, the RTP stipend rate in Australia sits around AUD $32,500–$35,000 per year, tax-free. That’s a genuinely liveable amount in Perth, especially compared to Sydney or Melbourne.

Application Timeline: Don’t Miss These Dates

This is where most people drop the ball. The RTP process is structured in phases, and missing any single step can cost you an entire year.

Start in July. Don’t wait until October.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Step 1: Find a Supervisor (This is the most critical step)

You cannot apply cold. Before anything else, you need to identify a registered Curtin supervisor who is willing to support your research.

You can either:

• Browse advertised research projects on the Curtin website and contact the project lead, or
• Propose your own research project and approach a Level 1 supervisor directly

This step requires initiative. Send a tailored, professional email explaining who you are, your research interests, and why you want to work with that specific supervisor. Generic emails get ignored.

Step 2: Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI)

Between 1 July and 31 July, submit your EOI to your chosen supervisor or project lead. This is your first formal signal of interest.

Be aware: response times vary. Some supervisors reply in days; others take weeks. Follow up politely after 10–14 days if you haven’t heard back.

Important: You can only be shortlisted once. If multiple supervisors nominate you, only the first nomination counts. Choose your preferred project carefully before you start reaching out.

Step 3: Receive Your Invitation to Apply

If your EOI is successful, your supervisor will issue you an endorsed Invitation to Apply, which covers both admission and scholarship consideration. This must happen by the end of July for you to be shortlisted.

Step 4: Arrange Your Referee Reports

Your Invitation to Apply will include instructions for submitting referee information. It is strongly recommended that you secure at least two referee reports; the stronger and more specific to your research capacity, the better.

Step 5: Submit Your Admission Application

Submit your full HDR admission application through Curtin’s official portal no later than 31 October. This is a firm deadline.

Step 6: Wait for Outcomes

The central scholarship selection committee reviews all shortlisted candidates and announces results in November. You’ll be notified by email.

Step 7: Enrol

If awarded, you must enrol and begin your HDR programme by 31 March of the following year.

Documents You’ll Likely Need

While Curtin’s specific checklist is detailed on their admissions page, HDR applicants typically need:

• Academic transcripts (undergraduate and/or postgraduate)
• Research proposal or statement of research intent
• Updated CV/resume highlighting research experience and publications
• At least two academic or professional referee reports
• English language proficiency proof (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) if applicable
• Copy of your passport (for international applicants)

Why This Scholarship Actually Matters

Here’s the honest truth: a funded PhD from a top-ranked Australian university changes your trajectory permanently.

For African students especially, this isn’t just about a degree. It’s about:

• Building international research networks that open doors in academia, policy, and industry globally
• Gaining Australian permanent residency pathways — Australia actively encourages skilled international graduates to stay
• Publishing peer-reviewed research that establishes your name in your field
• Returning home with credentials that give you leverage in competitive job markets across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and beyond

For students from the UK, US, Canada, or Europe considering a switch: Perth is underrated. Lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne, world-class infrastructure, and a university with genuine global research output.

Quick Summary Table

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Apply or Share This Opportunity

If this is the right fit for your research goals, don’t sit on it. The July window moves fast, and supervisors fill their spots early.

Start here: Visit the Curtin University RTP Scholarship page for more information and application.